Extra Inning Loss Prevents Trojan Sweep

April 09, 2009

Taylor softball traveled to Grace College for two games Thursday. Following a recent trend, the Trojan softballers played well, but could only come away with a split in the conference road matchup.

Taylor (13-15, 3-5) came out in game one ready to take it to the Lancers, and won 7-1. True to form in the MCC road play for the Trojans, the hosts would not allow an easy sweep to occur. Grace (6-21-1, 2-7-1) made game two into a battle, and a 1-1 stalemate was decided as the Lancers broke the tie in extra innings for the 2-1 win.

Offense was on display for the Trojans in game one as ten hits translated to seven runs. The successful formula for Taylor, of having one big inning and a consistent attack worked again, as a four-run fifth inning allowed TU to take control. Two insurance runs were added in the top of the seventh to allow Taylor to finish off the Lancers by the score of 7-1.

The leaders for Taylor's bats were Liz Lewellen, Lindsey Stone, and Emily Kramer. Stone showed her senior leadership with a 2-for-3 game, which included a triple and three RBI. Junior Liz Lewellen added two hits and an RBI, and Kramer added two RBI on one hit.

Jess Fankhauser picked up her sixth win on the year. Jess pitched a complete game 6-hit outing which included 6 strikeouts and only 1 run allowed.

Game two saw the Taylor offense alive on the base paths, but not crossing the plate. TU pounded out 11 hits to the Lancers 6, but left 13 runners on base and scored only once. The inability to get the final hit has hurt the Trojans this season, and failure to do so allowed Grace to stay in the game. Finally in the eighth inning the Lancers converted and took game two 2-1.

Pitcher Jill Tomaszewski picks up yet another close loss after pitching a solid game. Tomaszewski only allowed 6 hits in more than 7 innings of work. She added another 4 strikeouts to her total on the year. This time there was just not enough offense to assist her for a victory.

The main contributors to Taylor's 11 hits were Laurie Shumaker, Emily Kramer and Laura Strode. Kramer and Shumaker each had three hits on the day, while Strode added two. Tomaszewski added the RBI to help her own cause.

With the split Taylor moves to 3-5 in the conference, placing them in a tie for fifth with Huntington University. After having some trouble closing out series on the road, the Trojans now return home for three straight series. The home stand starts off on Saturday at 12:00 pm vs. Spring Arbor (15-13, 6-2).